If Apple made a PC case - Thor Zone NANOQ R
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Promos
Check out MotionGrey’s ergonomic workplace solutions at lmg.gg and use code LINUS for 10% off! Thor Zone is back with a new SFF case reminiscent of Apple's slick industrial design. With a stainless-steel aluminum structure, a unibody-esque look, and wide component compatibility, the NANOQ looks to be a minimalist's dream case. The price tag may be high, but does Adam think it's worth it? Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg ► PRODUCTS WE USE ON THE SHORTCIRCUIT SET: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt TikTok: @linustech Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Adam loves tiny computers 0:22 Design impressions and who Thor Zone is 3:00 Sponsor - MotionGrey 3:34 Included and optional accessories 5:28 Case configurations 6:46 Mounting the RGB and installing parts 13:41 Problems while trying to put the cover back on 15:22 Different case orientations and forgetting the handles 16:36 Build thoughts, pricing, alternatives 18:23 Thoughts on thermals and an update from Thor Zone 19:41 Overall thoughts 20:05 Outro
Thor Zone’s NANOQ R is presented as a premium, Apple-inspired SFF PC case that aims to maximize aesthetic minimalism while offering strong hardware compatibility. The video opens with the host expressing excitement for tiny, premium PC builds and immediately dives into the NANOQ R’s design philosophy, noting the unibody feel, stainless-steel frame with aluminum outer materials, and the ability to swap front panels for different looks such as walnut or carbon fiber. Early on, the host acknowledges production challenges and QC concerns that have accompanied Thor Zone’s earlier launches, framing the NANOQ R as a refined evolution that still carries premium pricing. The sponsor segment is brief, highlighting MotionGrey workstations, but the focus quickly returns to the case features, including its dual-size lineup, S and R, with 11 L and 16 L respectively, and their support for different GPU configurations and CPU coolers. The host demonstrates unboxing essentials, noting the lack of printed instructions and the QR code that links to online guides, which he prints for convenience while stressing the premium packaging and the included accessories such as magnetic filters and a separate light rail system. He emphasizes the case’s modular spine, which can be adjusted to accommodate various radiator and GPU placements, a feature he views as a major strength for future-proofing high-end builds. The build sequence shows the complexity of routing cables in a tight space, mounting a Cooler Master V100 SFX PSU, and trying different radiator positions, while explaining that airflow is designed to flow through both sides of the chassis. Throughout, the host weighs the premium feel and build quality against the high price, noting the existing fixes Thor Zone has announced or implemented in response to early feedback, such as improved GPU mounting hardware and better magnets, while also highlighting that the open frame configuration and bubed-up aesthetic significantly set the NANOQ R apart from other compact cases. The video wraps with final build thoughts, acknowledging that the NANOQ R is visually stunning and highly premium, but that the price and some refinement issues require careful consideration, especially for buyers who value a balance between aesthetics and practical thermals. The host invites viewers to subscribe for more Short Circuit coverage and teases related content about similar compact cases, tying in community engagement and looking ahead to future Thor Zone updates.
Topics · technology · reviews · hardware · computer-cases · product-design · sff
Questions answered
- What is the Thor Zone NANOQ R best known for in terms of design?
- It is known for its Apple-inspired, industrial minimalism with a unibody aluminum and stainless steel frame and the option to swap front panels for different looks.
- What are the main sizes and GPU configurations supported by the NANOQ R and S variants?
- The R is 16 L and supports up to four slot GPUs; the S is 11 L and supports up to three slot GPUs.
- What is a notable feature that improves compatibility in this case family?
- The shifting spine mechanism allows for flexible radiator and component placement, increasing overall hardware compatibility.
- What was a key issue during the build that was later addressed in production updates?
- Cable routing and PCIe cable clearance were problematic, which Thor Zone later addressed with redesigned mounting and improved cable management.
- How do viewers perceive the value proposition of the NANOQ R given its price?
- Viewers recognize the premium case aesthetic and build quality but debate whether its high price is justified without considering thermals and long-term reliability.